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Stanford Football: Tanner McKee gives Cardinal answer after K.J. Costello

By Andrew Miller

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after the Cardinal got a first down on a fourth down late in the fourth quarter that clinched their victory over the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after the Cardinal got a first down on a fourth down late in the fourth quarter that clinched their victory over the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Among the last standout quarterback that was still uncommitted for the 2018 class, Tanner McKee announced he’s going with Stanford football on NSD.

Stanford football pulled in their biggest prospect of the 2018 class in four-star pro-style quarterback Tanner McKee. As the top ranked uncommitted quarterback entering National Signing Day 2018, McKee was a hot commodity for the suitors still alive in the race for his commitment.

With a four-star quarterback already slotted in the class for this recruiting cycle, it’s sign of strength for them that they could still reel in McKee. That four-star pro-style quarterback that Stanford already had signed is Jack West. The quarterback battle for Stanford’s future under center is intriguing between McKee and West.

The issue with McKee for all the programs pursuing him is the fact that he is taking two years off for a mission trip, and he will then suit up after that period of time is up.

Stanford does have a starting quarterback that is a junior in K.J. Costello. And, Keller Chryst’s time is up with the Cardinal so the offense seems to belong to Costello for now.

McKee’s future with Stanford

With Costello likely having two years left as the starting quarterback with the Cardinal, McKee is coming in at the perfect time. Especially if West does not work out for head coach David Shaw, McKee gives them the perfect answer for the offense entering the 2020 season.

Another player that has a bright future with the Stanford offense that is a four-star recruit in the 2018 class is wide receiver Michael Wilson. The 6-foot-2 West Hills, CA, product has the potential for stardom, developing under primary receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

All the pieces will be in place for McKee to come in and make a difference in a few years for the Cardinal. As a pro-style pocket passer with a big arm, McKee does have all the tools necessary for success with the program in PAC-12 play.

Passing the torch from Costello to McKee

Costello battled Chryst for the starting quarterback job for much of the 2017 season. Some solid performances down the stretch of the regular season in combination with inconsistent outings for Chryst put the offense in the hands of Costello. He’s primed for a big year in 2018.

Stanford has all the makings of a PAC-12 Championship program in 2018. Mostly, Heisman finalist running back and All-American Bryce Love returns for his senior year, alongside Costello and Arcega-Whiteside.

Next: 3 Stanford storylines to follow on National Signing Day

The winning culture that Stanford is already building to a high degree makes it a seamless transition from Costello possibly to McKee in the near future. Two years from now, it could be one of the smoothest transitions to a new starting quarterback of any program in the nation.

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